Getting into First Nations Court

Talk to a lawyer or duty counsel before anything else. Never plead guilty without legal advice.

What this court asks of you

You have to take responsibility for what happened. Most people plead guilty before their case moves here, and the Crown usually has to agree to the move.

How your case gets moved

A judge, your lawyer, or Crown counsel can refer you, or you can ask yourself. The fastest way to find out if your case can go is to call First Nations Court duty counsel.

Your first appearance

Each court sits on set dates, so there is usually a wait for the next sitting. The Provincial Court posts current dates at provincialcourt.bc.ca/court-locations

Who to call

• 604-601-6074 (Greater Vancouver) or 1-877-601-6066 (elsewhere in BC)
  First Nations Court duty counsel. Free lawyers who can tell you if your case can move and how.
• 604-822-1311
  Indigenous Community Legal Clinic, Vancouver. Free legal help for Indigenous people who cannot afford a lawyer.
• 604-408-2172 (Greater Vancouver) or 1-866-577-2525 (elsewhere in BC)
  Legal Aid BC call centre. Ask about getting a free lawyer for your case.